I have a similar arrangement to what you are considering. Im using a tube pre w/bypass, and tube amps for the front two channels (no center). My HT processor/receiver is used to drive the rears and of course for processing. Who says you have to use the tubes when you watch television. When Im watching TV, I use the built-in TV speakers. For the occasional concert that may be on TV I turn on the tubes. For movies, the whole system is also up and running. Best of both worlds and no excess wear and tear on the tubes. Also, I think for the up to $4K that youre considering spending, you could pick-up a nice used tube amp and replacement processor, and then when time and money permits pick-up a tube pre as well.
Tube preamp as foundation for 2 channel upgrade
I have a multichannel ss system that sounds sterile. The main components are:
Anthem AVM2 processor
Aragon 8008 X 5 amp
Esoteric DV 50 universal player
Talen Raven C front speakers
Bohlender Graebener ribbon center channel / rear speakers
I have been struggling with the decision whether to go with a better quality SS processor, or split the preamp function between a 2 channel preamp and a processor, running the interconnects from the DV50 to both so that in 2 channel mode I use only the preamp and in HT mode I use both.
I have been told that tubes may liven up my system, and I am leaning towards a good tube preamp for 2 channel with a separate perhaps lesser quality solid state processor for HT. Later I will address upgrading the amp - not sure if that will go tube as well.
My budget is limited...<$4,000 for both the preamp and a replacement processor. My Anthem is malfunctioning and the manufacturer was unable to fix it (talk about frustrating!!!), so I am replacing it.
Finally, I have an older Denon turntable with a Grado cartridge I'd like to reintroduce into my system, and get back into vinyl, so the preamp should have a phono input.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Anthem AVM2 processor
Aragon 8008 X 5 amp
Esoteric DV 50 universal player
Talen Raven C front speakers
Bohlender Graebener ribbon center channel / rear speakers
I have been struggling with the decision whether to go with a better quality SS processor, or split the preamp function between a 2 channel preamp and a processor, running the interconnects from the DV50 to both so that in 2 channel mode I use only the preamp and in HT mode I use both.
I have been told that tubes may liven up my system, and I am leaning towards a good tube preamp for 2 channel with a separate perhaps lesser quality solid state processor for HT. Later I will address upgrading the amp - not sure if that will go tube as well.
My budget is limited...<$4,000 for both the preamp and a replacement processor. My Anthem is malfunctioning and the manufacturer was unable to fix it (talk about frustrating!!!), so I am replacing it.
Finally, I have an older Denon turntable with a Grado cartridge I'd like to reintroduce into my system, and get back into vinyl, so the preamp should have a phono input.
Thanks in advance for your advice.